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The Badge · Powered by ESCA

One Badge.
More access.
Every shift.

The Badge is the trusted national worker credential for the exhibitions and events industry, powered by ESCA. Reimagined for 2026 and beyond with online registration and verified scan tracking at participating facilities.

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Trusted by 14 venues and thousands of exhibition workers
nationwide, since 2009.

Scanned in · 8:02 AM
9:41•••
The Badge digital badge sample

Live at venues including · see all participating venues

The Badge Platform

Everything you trust, now fully online.

The Badge brings registration, badge ordering, and facility scan tracking together in one online platform.

Fast badge scanning

Instantly view the badge holder’s name, current photo, organization, and active status so your gate staff can verify credentials at a glance.

Facility scan tracking

Access your facility’s time-stamped scan history anytime, with each record showing who scanned, when, and which badge they used.

Verified registration

Every application is reviewed by ESCA and requires a complete profile, current photo, and professional references before a badge is issued.

Online badge ordering

Purchase new and replacement badges in one cart, pay securely online, and send your order directly to ESCA for fulfillment.

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing.

Two plans, one trusted credential. ESCA members save on every badge, but membership is never required to apply.

Non-Member

Open to everyone in the industry. One bundled price per badge.

$38

Per badge — bundled price

Includes standard shipping, physical badge & digital badge · Valid for two years

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ESCA Member

Member savings on every badge. One bundled price per badge.

$30

Per badge — bundled price

Includes standard shipping, physical badge & digital badge · Valid for two years

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Also good to know: a one-time application fee applies ($100 per organization, $50 per freelancer). Expedited shipping is available for the carrier cost plus $10, and lanyards & badge reels are $2 each.

Not an ESCA member? Membership is never required for a badge, but members save on pricing and unlock exclusive benefits across the exhibition services community. Join ESCA

Coast to coast

Live at the venues you already work in.

A growing network of convention centers, arenas, and exhibition halls trust The Badge for daily access management.

Georgia World Congress Center

Atlanta, GA

Live

Baltimore Convention Center

Baltimore, MD

Live

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Washington, DC

Live

George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston, TX

Live

Orange County Convention Center

Orlando, FL

Live

Miami Beach Convention Center

Miami Beach, FL

Live

Music City Center

Nashville, TN

Live

Charlotte Convention Center

Charlotte, NC

Live

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Nashville, TN

Live

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas, NV

Live

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

New Orleans, LA

Live

Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center

Boston, MA

Live

John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center

Boston, MA

Live

Atlantic City Convention Center

Atlantic City, NJ

Live

Henry B. González Convention Center

San Antonio, TX

Coming soon

Greater Columbus Convention Center

Columbus, OH

Coming soon

FAQs

Common questions, clear answers.

How are my badges shipped?
Standard shipping via USPS Ground Advantage is included with every badge. Expedited shipping options are shown at checkout based on your shipping address and are available at the carrier’s cost plus $10.
Does my badge make me an ESCA member?
No. Your badge is a credential for access to participating facilities. ESCA membership is separate and isn’t required to get a badge.
Is ESCA membership required to get a badge?
No — membership is never required. ESCA members do receive a discounted rate on every badge.
How do I ship badges to remote employees?
Place a separate order for each employee to ship directly to their address, or place one group order to ship to a central location for distribution.
Where can I find my tracking information?
Once your order ships, tracking is added to your order history. Click View Past Orders and open the order to see the tracking number. Can’t find it? Email badge@esca.org and we’ll help.
How do I replace a lost or damaged badge?
Find the employee in your employee list and click the magnifying glass to open their details. Select ‘Lost/Replace Badge’ to add a replacement to your cart. The previous badge will be marked as void, and the replacement will have an updated expiration date.
How do I add or remove users for my company?
To add a user, open your company details page and click Add New User, then enter their name and email address. They’ll receive a verification email to confirm their address and create a password. To remove a user, click the X beside their name.
I’m traveling from show to show — how do I get my badge?
You have two options: ship to an office or home address and use the included digital badge right away, or choose expedited delivery to a hotel. Some hotels restrict packages for guests, so confirm with the hotel first.
Does my badge grant access to all show floors?
No. The Badge verifies that you’re approved to enter a participating facility while employed by a contractor on a specific event. Each event’s standard security requirements still apply.
What is a digital badge and how do I access it?
Every badge includes a digital badge at no extra cost. It scans the same way as the physical badge, so you can use it right away while the physical badge is in transit. Download it from the employee profile once your order is complete.
What is the difference between Full-Time, Part-Time, and Union badges?
All three badges are valid for two years. The difference is what appears beneath the badge holder’s name:
Full-Time: Company name
Part-Time: Work classification, such as Catering or Freight Handling
Union: Trade organization and local number
What should I do with a badge when an employee leaves?
The next step depends on who purchased the badge:
Employee or union member: Select ‘Un-Employ’ beside their name in the employee list. This removes them from your company list but keeps their badge active until it expires.
Your company: Request the badge’s return and select ‘Delete’ beside their name in the employee list. This removes them from your list and voids the badge.

Get started

One Badge. More access.
Apply online today.

Workers, contractors, and venue teams all start here. We’ll guide you through the right path for your role.

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